WASHINGTON, July 30: The United States said on Monday that it encourages political debate and dialogue in Pakistan but does not support any particular candidate or party. The comments followed reports in the US media that Washington played an effective but behind the scenes role in encouraging President Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister to meet in Abu Dhabi last week.

“The United States has always encouraged a democratic process that provides the Pakistani citizens with choices and respects their choice in a leader,” a State Department official told Dawn when asked to comment on the meeting.

“We also encourage political debate and dialogue within an open society. We want free, credible elections,” the official added.

“We do not support any particular candidate or party, but the democratic process.”

When asked what role did the US play in arranging the Musharraf-Bhutto meeting, the official said: “Meetings between President Musharraf and political party members are internal matters, and I would refer you to Pakistani sources for any further detail.”

Meanwhile, the US media have shown a keen interest in the Musharraf-Bhutto meeting, noting that the two leaders are trying to strike a deal that may allow Gen Musharraf to continue as president for another term. But, according to these reports, the talks faltered when Ms Bhutto made her support conditional on Mr Musharraf relinquishing his military post.

The reports also noted that to allow Ms Bhutto to return as prime minister, the government will have to amend the Constitution.

The US media also reported that President Musharraf has become increasingly unpopular since he suspended the chief justice in March while an army raid on Islamabad’s Lal Masjid has enraged religious extremists.

The United States, the reports said, believes that if President Musharraf continued to insist on ruling Pakistan as a military ruler, it will only strengthened religious extremists, while weakening liberal political forces.

To avoid such a scenario, the US is keen on arranging some understanding between Gen. Musharraf and Ms Bhutto, the reports said.